The New Zealand international made his A-League debut with the
Phoenix back in 2007 and will return to where it all started in a
major coup for the Wellington-based side.

Victory confirmed Barbarouses' departure on Tuesday as head
coach Kevin Muscat expressed his disappointment at losing one of
his most reliable players.

"Naturally, we're disappointed to lose a player like Kosta, who
has been an important member of our team for the last three
seasons," Muscat.

"We were determined to keep him, but ultimately he believes this
is the best decision for him.

"We understand the opportunity to move back home to be close to
his family was a strong factor in his decision.

"We would like to thank Kosta for his contribution to Melbourne
Victory and wish him all the best for the future."

Barbarouses leaves the club having been a part of their
treble-winning side which won the A-League premiership,
championship and FFA Cup in 2015 and he said it was not an easy
decision to make.

"This was a very tough decision for me because I have loved my
time at Melbourne Victory over the last three seasons," Barbarouses
said.

"In the end, the opportunity to move back home to live close to
my family was too hard to pass up.

"It has been an honour playing in front of the Melbourne Victory
members and fans and I will leave with a heavy heart because their
support for me has been unbelievable.

"I would like to thank [Socceroos coach and former Victory
coach] Ange Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat, all the coaches and my
team-mates for giving me the chance to play for Victory, and I will
give everything I have for the rest of the season to try and bring
more silverware to the club."